As you are probably aware, DFO has made a particularly impactful decision with respect to the Fraser River and closed the system down to salmon fishing to protect the unexpectedly low return of Fraser River sockeye. There is no doubt that this measure will have a dramatic effect on those businesses that support anglers who would otherwise be fishing for chinook during this critically low sockeye run. It is a difficult decision yet conservation as the first objective and a precautionary approach is understandable. But, there are alternatives to consider for future situations, should they arise, where well defined changes to angling practices and locations could allow for other-than-sockeye salmon fishing to continue on the river and save any passing sockeye harmless. It is our understanding that all fisheries that have a potential to harm sockeye are now closed on the river, or will be closing very soon.We also believe that increased enforcement on the river at these critical times is essential, would raise awareness and reduce or eliminate any activities that could be detrimental to the stocks of concern. We are optimistic that dialogue with DFO about options can occur during the upcoming fall and winter.

Minister LeBlanc visits BCLast week the Minister of Fisheries, Dominic LeBlanc issued an update on the government’s response to the Cohen Commission. While there was relatively little “news” in his announcement, LeBlanc said that government was committed to hiring additional science staff in the Pacific Region and to maintaining the Wild Salmon Policy. While the new staff and resources are welcome, we are disappointed by the fact that LeBlanc did not take the opportunity to announce that the department would take tougher actions with respect to the net pen salmon farming industry.

We should also note that representatives of the SFI and the SFAB met with the Minister LeBlanc on his trip to the West Coast. It was cordial initial meeting with the new Minister where he commented on his early years visiting the west with his father, former Fisheries Minister, Romeo LeBlanc. He spoke about taking several fishing trips to the coast including a memorable outing at Dolphins resort in Campbell River where he and his father caught 36lb and 34lb chinook respectively and another where he landed a 60lb halibut on the decks of the Tanu on the central coast. Clearly some first-hand experience with BC sport fishing that few if any Ministers in recent history share!

In our meeting we outlined the economic context of the sport fishing industry for the Minister and discussed the Recreational Vision and the Vision Implementation Strategy, which details a number of objectives to improving and replacing support for recreational fisheries management by and with DFO. Minister LeBlanc was supportive of the idea to potentially add the program to an upcoming budget or to explore the idea of repealing the User Fee Act which may make it quicker and easier to acquire funding support for the programs proposed.

And, while the meeting was short, we also pointed to the need for improved catch monitoring efforts and the collaborative work that was occurring on that file.

On balance, it was a productive discussion and we hope it signals intent on the part of the Minister to move ahead on these important issues.

WCVI Guides - Samples and Log Books

The ongoing program on the West Coast of Vancouver Island to increase the number of samples taken and log book data submitted by guides and lodge operations particularly appears to be going well. The SFI is helping DFO to get the word out and to ensure that guides understand that they must contribute when requested.

The Recreational Vision (that the DFO, SFAB and the Province developed) outlined an approach in which the recreational sector takes on greater responsibility for documenting its catch. The guide log books and other angler based efforts to assist with counting our catch fall in step with these principles. Participation in catch data collection programs will ensure that regulation changes will be based on good information and make the potential of changing or improving opportunity possible.

We will continue to work with DFO and encourage anglers, guides and operators to participate in catch data collection efforts whether it is creel survey interview, iRec, head recovery or providing samples.

Participation in areas like Ucluelet and Tofino is at an all-time high, and we thank those guides for their efforts in helping us better define and understand our catch.

Tuna Time – Catch and Safety GuidelinesWe reported out earlier in the year but as the season is upon us, we provide a reminder that the SFAB safety and catch guidelines for the recreational tuna fishery, coordinated with Transport Canada, are available at these links: safety and catch care.

New Office for the SFI
The SFI office has moved to Nanaimo effective August 2, 2016. Our new address is 10 – 55 Front Street, Nanaimo. If you are in Nanaimo, please drop by or at least check out the flashy new street facing window SFI decal we’ve had installed. We have retained 604.946.0734 and add 250.591.0734 as phone numbers. E-mails remain the same and Cathy Kwiatkowski continues as our Executive Administrator. Our old location at the Gibbs-Delta Tackle Plant was great, many thanks go to Rob Alcock, Syd Pallister and everyone at Gibbs Delta Tackle for letting us occupy space in their offices for more than 7 years. We would still be there but were able to accommodate a recent move by Cathy and family to Nanaimo.

Until next time, tight lines!
The SFI Team,
Sport Fishing Institute of BC

"conservation as the first objective and a precautionary approach is understandable" - Derby, I hope the SFI, as well as the SFAB/C, called bull-shite on this as a rationale for the closure of the chinook fisheries on the Fraser and Thompson because I have to assume that these groups, in representing the interests of the sport fishing community, haven't already forgotten that in 2014 the DFO extended the indiscriminate/non-selective bottom bouncing sockeye snag fishery in both the Fraser and Thompson well into the critical Thompson Steelhead and Interior Fraser Coho migration timing. Those are two endangered stocks whose spawning populations number in the hundreds yet neither "conservation" or a "precautionary approach" stopped the extension of the sockeye snagging season despite the known by-catch implications. With the exception of Cultus, none of the Fraser sockeye runs are endangered and the populations number in the hundreds of thousands even in a poor return year such as this.

It is unfathomable that any decision making framework that resulted in acceptance of impacts to endangered stocks within a known non-selective, damaging fishery could also result in the closure of selective fisheries, such as the chinook fishery in the Lower Thompson, due to theoretical, yet improbable, impacts to relatively healthy stocks. That is unless said decision making frameworks are corrupt.

Am very interested in others views on these impactful decisions against the rec/sport fishing community.

The Fraser River issues will be on the table at the fall meeting at the SFAC. South coast in Nov. ... at this time Fred Helmer & Rod Clapton are working hard with the newly formed.. Fraser River Sportfishing Alliance to address the current Fraser river issues....

The Fraser River Recreational angling community has united under the banner of the "Fraser River Sport Fishing Alliance" (FRSA). We believe this newly created alliance is truly representative of all aspects of the angling community. It is our intent to work with the Sport Fish Advisory Board and other sectors of the Fraser River salmon fishery.

We are requesting your serious consideration of the following requests:

The Fraser River be reopened immediately to chinook fishing with selective fishing methods only. These methods have been well documented by DFO staff.

The small identified areas of non compliance to selective fishing be posted as temporarily closed and this closure be enforced.

The above request would provide some fishing opportunity for the limited time remaining in the chinook fishery and salvage a small portion of the tremendous loss to local communities and businesses.

Selective fishing for chinook salmon is demonstrated as having zero impact on stocks of concern such as the current summer sockeye returns. Considering the thousands of sockeye currently being killed through the ongoing illegal net fisheries our request for reinstating a family oriented totally non sockeye impact fishery seems reasonable.

It should be noted that closure of over 200 kilometers of river seems punitive when any impact on sockeye stocks from non selective anglers has been identified in a small area of perhaps 20 kilometers. Why deny families the opportunity for a summer salmon outing in the remaining 180 kilometers? We suggest that implementation of spot closures is the solution.

We have for some time offered to work with your Fraser River staff to ensure that all anglers understand the need for selective fishing when stocks of concern are in the river. To date we have had zero response to our offer.

We believe our request is valid and our chinook fisheries can be reinstated with no impact on threatened sockeye stocks.

So with spot closures basically everyone who doesn't have a boat is screwed. Pretty short sighted ideas. As a boat owner it's awesome for me, but the vast majority of people don't have boats.
Just make it set line only- that simple

Okay.. #1 is asking it to be open to a bar fishery style fishery..
#2. there is a selection/area were people continually lining for fish ....although asked to bar fish only... so asking that this particular are be closed and enforced.. but since the entire river is closed ..guess it means nothing anyways...

September is nearly over and fall is upon us. There are some who are lucky enough to get out on the water as the month comes to a close, others who are planning for a post season break or hunt and a few who are already starting to turn attention to planning for 2017. We are busy preparing for the Big Splash and Conference and a number of other things as you'll read below.

Halibut

While the fishing season has begun to wind down for many, it is worth noting that, as a result of the management measures in place, halibut fishing will remain open until the end of the year along the entire coast. Size, daily and possession limits remain in place but anglers lucky enough for the opportunity to get out on the water between now and the end of the year can continue to try there luck for Halibut.

On November 25th the SFI will be holding its Annual Industry Policy Conference at the Pacific Gateway Hotel in Richmond. This event has become a key forum where elected officials, public servants and those in the sport fishing industry can meet, share their perspectives on the issues facing the recreational fishery and receive updates on preliminary expectations for the forthcoming season.

We’ll hear from expert speakers on a broad range of topics within our theme this year. We are working on the agenda now and will include updates and details as the date approaches. Our half day format will begin with lunch at 11:30am and end just in time for our Annual Big Splash Gala Fundraiser. Watch this space for more information.

Bob Wright Legacy Award - 2016

We would like to hear about people or organizations that have helped conserve, protect and/or develop British Columbia’s recreational fishing industry and community in an exceptional way.

The Sport Fishing Institute of BC developed the Bob Wright Legacy Award to honour individuals and organizations for their contribution to the conservation, restoration and enhancement of BC’s recreational fishing industry and fishery. These are individuals or organizations that have played, and continue to play, a crucial role in sustaining and developing the recreational fishing experience in BC.

The Big Splash Gala Fundraiser takes place immediately following the Annual Policy Conference. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. to BC's sport fishing community social event of the year. Watch for a tremendous collection of unique and desirable goodies and gifts to bid on, buy raffles for and hope to win just in time for the holiday season!

For more information or to purchase your Early Bird Ticket contact our office in Nanaimo at (250) 591-0734 or Vancouver (604) 946-0734 or email us at info@sportfishing.bc.ca. You can also purchase your tickets online by CLICKING HERE!

Thank you to our sponsors

New SFI Membership Benefit! Co-Op Consumer Trade Show Program

As part of the work SFI has initiated with the Destination BC Co-op program, we are pleased to provide a new member benefit program: discounted trade show attendance. We are working with Destination BC, the BC Fishing Resorts and Outfitters Association and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC to market the BC fishing sector to out of province visitors and local anglers.

A business buy-in program will cover 40% of the cost of consumer show booth rental fees for qualifying fishing tourism operators. Participating businesses are required to complete an agreement and will be required to display provincial campaign, Fishing BC, branding e.g. banners, table covers, and print materials. Please note that Fishing BC will be booking booth space directly with the consumer shows and will then be invoicing participants directly for their portion of the fees.

The freshwater sector has been engaged in this program for several years but this is the first year for the SFI and the saltwater sector. The expectation is that there will be a lot of interest in the discounted rates. As this is our first year we will need to assess the demand and will work to distribute funds available equitably. If you are interested in participating, please contact our office at (250) 591-0734 or (604) 946-0734 or by emailing info@sportfishing.bc.ca for an application form as soon as possible. Get your applications in as soon as possible we expect high interest and there is limited space available!

On November 25th the SFI will be holding its annual Industry Policy Conference in Richmond at the Pacific Gateway Hotel. This event is a key forum where officials, public servants and those in the sport fishing industry can meet, share their perspectives on the issues facing the recreational fishery and receive updates on preliminary expectations for the forthcoming season.

Our half day format will begin with lunch at 11:30am and ends just in time for the Big Splash Gala Fundraiser that evening.

We have an exciting list of speakers on a variety of subjects within our them this year; Sharing Responsibility.

For more information, or to purchase your Early Bird Ticket contact our office at (250) 591-0734 or (604) 946-0734 or email us at info@sportfishing.bc.ca. You can also purchase your tickets online by CLICKING HERE!

2016 Bob Wright Legacy Award

The Sport Fishing Institute of BC has developed the Bob Wright Legacy Award (BWLA) to honour individuals and organizations for their contribution to the conservation, restoration and enhancement of BC’s recreational fishing industry and fishery. These individuals or organizations have played, and continue to play, a crucial role in sustaining and developing the recreational fishing experience in BC.

We would like to hear about people or organizations that have helped conserve, protect and/or develop British Columbia’s recreational fishing industry and community in an exceptional way.

If you would like to nominate an individual or organization, please fill out the simple nomination form by CLICKING HERE.

Nomination deadline is October 15th, 2016.

Early Bird Tickets

Early Bird tickets are on sale now but only for a limited time! Come and join us for a night of great food, greats friends and great fun! To purchase your early bird tickets as a discounted price contact us or CLICK HERE!

Location & Accommodation

November 25th at The Pacific Gateway Hotel at Vancouver Airport

Please join us on Friday, November 25th, 2016 at the Pacific Gateway Hotel at Vancouver Airport in Richmond.

We have a limited number of rooms blocked for our event at a special rate of $125 per night. To reserve your room, please contact the Pacific Gateway Hotel directly at (604) 278-1241 or CLICK HERE.

Complimentary parking is also available for all Conference & Splash attendees. Please make sure to pre-register your vehicle prior to our November 25th event by CLICKING HERE.

Donation Requests

The Sport Fishing Institute of BC is a non-profit organization established in 1980 and is dedicated to promoting, enhancing and protecting sustainable sport fishing opportunities in BC. Our vision is to have British Columbia sport fishing be known as a world leader in quality of experience and opportunity, providing the broadest range of social and economic benefits.

The key to the continued success of the event and organization is the generosity of the many businesses and individuals who donate.

Why Donate to the SFI and the Big Splash?

Support a cause that directly impacts your business and opportunities on the water. We work hard year round to ensure that our fisheries will continue to benefit BC communities and businesses for generations to come.

Great networking exposure; the Big Splash has become an anticipated and successful event, welcoming business owners, managers and a variety of interests who are keen to support sustainable sport fishing opportunities in British Columbia.

Great business exposure; we will advertise your business or contribution leading up to and at the event through our social media platforms, website and widely distributed member updates.

If you would like to donate to our 2016 Big Splash Gala Fundraiser, please contact Cathy at (250) 591-0734 or (604) 946-0734 or email our office at info@sportfishing.bc.ca. Deadline for receiving donations is November 1st!

Tickets are on sale, get yours soon and before its too late! Plan to join us for a night of great food, friends and fun!
To purchase your tickets call us at 604.946.0734 or 250.591.0734 or CLICK HERE!

2016 Big Splash Gala Fundraiser

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. to the BC's sport fishing community social event of the year. As usual, watch for a tremendous collection of unique and desirable goodies to bid on, buy raffles for and hope to win!

Here is a sneak peak of a few things that can be yours on November 25th:

An All Inclusive trip for two to Langara Fishing Lodge provided by Langara Fishing Adventures

A 200 Level suite for you and 13 of your closest friends to a Vancouver Canucks game provided by Duncanby Lodge

On November 25th the SFI will be holding its annual Industry Policy Conference in Richmond at the Pacific Gateway Hotel. This event is a key forum where officials, public servants and those in the sport fishing industry can meet, share their perspectives on the issues facing the recreational fishery and receive updates on preliminary expectations for the forthcoming season.

Our half day format will begin with lunch at 11:30am and ends just in time for the Big Splash Gala Fundraiser.

2016 Theme: Sharing Responsibility

We have an exciting list of speakers on a variety of subjects within our theme this year.

The Bob Wright Legacy Award will be presented to this year's recipient

Watch this space in the next update for a full agenda and speakers list.

For more information, or to purchase your tickets contact our office at (250) 591-0734 or (604) 946-0734 or email us at info@sportfishing.bc.ca. You can also purchase your tickets online by CLICKING HERE!

Accommodations

November 25th at The Pacific Gateway Hotel at Vancouver Airport

We have a limited number of rooms blocked for our event at a special rate of $125 per night but only until November 3rd. Any rooms that haven't been booked will be released to the public at full price after that date. To reserve your room, please contact the Pacific Gateway Hotel directly at (604) 278-1241 or CLICK HERE.

Complimentary parking is also available for all Conference & Splash attendees. Please make sure to pre-register your vehicle prior to our November 25th event by CLICKING HERE.

Tickets are on sale now and selling quickly, tables of 10 are almost sold out! Get your tickets soon before it's too late!
Plan to join us for a night of great food, friends and fun!

To purchase your tickets call us at 604.946.0734 or 250.591.0734 or CLICK HERE!

2016 Big Splash Gala Fundraiser

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. to BC's sport fishing community social event of the year. As usual, watch for a tremendous collection of unique and desirable goodies to bid on and raffles to win!

Here is a sneak peak of a few more items that can be yours on November 25th:

Harrison Hot Springs Getaway

Bradley Smoker

Whistler Escape Package

Grundens Dark & Stormy Rain Jacket & Bib Pants

Industrial Series Yamaha Generator

Mercury Inflatable Boat

And much, much more!

When the bidding is done, stay for a night of music and dancing! It promises to be yet another exciting night!

2016 Annual Policy Conference: Sharing Responsibility

On November 25th the SFI will hold its annual Industry Policy Conference in Richmond at the Pacific Gateway Hotel. This event is a key forum where officials, public servants and those in the sport fishing industry can meet, share their perspectives on innovations and issues effecting the recreational fishery.
Our half day format will begin with lunch at 11:30am and ends just in time for the Big Splash Gala Fundraiser. Hang on to your tickets as conference attendees are invited to join us for a complimentary, post conference drink, courtesy of BC Outdoors Sport Fishing TV.

Larry Johnson, Nuu-chah-nulth Seafood Development Corporation President and St. Jean's Cannery
And

The Bob Wright Legacy Award will be presented to this year's recipient

Watch this space in the next update for a full agenda and speakers list.

For more information, or to purchase your tickets contact our office at (250) 591-0734 or (604) 946-0734 or email us at info@sportfishing.bc.ca. You can also purchase your tickets online by CLICKING HERE!

International Pacific Halibut Commission
The last week of January was a busy one for the team at the SFI as delegates from US and Canadian commercial and sport fishing groups gathered in Victoria to participate in the International Pacific Halibut Commission’s annual meeting.

IPHC staff expressed optimism about the state of the halibut biomass in the North Pacific. But, significant problems remain with the impact of non-targeted Alaskan commercial fisheries on both juvenile and mature halibut. And while commercial fishing in British Columbia continues to be well managed and monitored, Alaskan by-catch ultimately impacts the halibut that are available to everyone else on the Pacific Coast. Alaskan commercial fishers targeting non-halibut species catch millions of pounds of halibut per year. Similarly, the Alaskan pollack fishery catches as many as 250,000 chinook salmon annually.

Catch Limits for Canada
A regular part of the proceedings, regional catch limits are discussed at length and on the final day it was agreed that Canada's Total Allowable Catch would be set at 7.45 million pounds. This number represents the total amount of fish that that can be taken through commercial harvest, First Nations catch, non-targeted, bycatch and recreational fishing.

This TAC means that recreational anglers in BC can look forward to a harvest of 1,118,029 pounds in 2017, similar to 2016. The 2017 halibut season opened yesterday, February 1, and will potentially be open until December 31. The season length is contingent upon on in season review of catch by DFO. Should the recreational catch limit be met or exceeded before December 31, the recreational halibut fishery could be closed. Daily catch and possession limits are the same as 2016 from February to March 31; a 6 halibut annual limit, 2 fish in possession, 1/day - of the two fish in possession one may be up to 133 cm and the other up to 83 cm. The 2017 licence season, which begins April 1, halibut limits and sizes will be announced in the coming weeks.

As always, an interesting and productive meeting that clearly benefits from representatives from the recreational sector showing up to represent our interests.

Yelloweye RockfishAs you may understand due to reducing limits, the status of Yelloweye Rockfish stocks are of concern on our coast. Yelloweye have been listed as a Species of Concern through the Species at Risk Act and may be reviewed again through the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) process. While it is understood that Yelloweye Rockfish are not typically a target species, recreational anglers must take active steps to avoid incidental catch of these long-lived and slow-to-reproduce fish.

While it is expected that DFO will work to better understand the status of Yelloweye and other rockfish stocks and the impacts of various fisheries upon them, our collective responsibility is to avoid these threatened fish and to aid DFO in their efforts where possible.

We will keep you posted with updates on rockfish management measures. And, we will continue to share information on the use of descending devices, which have been used successfully south of the border to safely return rockfish to depth, and the role they may play in aiding the recreational fishery reduce its impacts on sensitive or rebuilding Yelloweye and other rockfish species stocks.

Guides and Lodges - Samples and Log Books
Plans are taking shape to continue with a program that began in Campbell River and has expanded to include the West Coast of Vancouver Island. The program results in an increase in the number and quality of samples taken and log book data submitted by guides and lodge operations particularly. The SFI will continue to work with DFO to get the word out and to ensure that guides understand that they are now obligated to contribute when requested.

The Recreational Vision (that the DFO, SFAB and the Province developed) outlined an approach in which the recreational sector takes on greater responsibility for documenting its catch. The guide log books and other angler based efforts to assist with counting our catch fall in step with these principles. Participation in catch data collection programs will ensure that regulation changes will be based on good information.

We applaud DFO's move on WCVI and, again, encourage anglers, guides and operators to continue to participate in both head recovery efforts and in the provision of scale sample data.

8th WRFCA reminder that the World Recreational Fishing Conference is coming this summer – July 16 – 20 in Victoria. Participants and speakers will come from all over the world. BC fisheries will be on display, our management practices will be discussed and insights and ideas from other countries will be presented. The conference is open to the public with opportunity for local businesses to promote their services and goods to a global audience. More information at: www.wrfc8.com

SFI Member BenefitsThe trade show season is well underway but there is still opportunity to take advantage of the Fishing BC co-op consumer trade show program. The first year of this program for SFI members, participants receive a 40% discount on trade show costs. The discount can be in the form of reimbursement for approved trade shows or as reduced registration fees. Funding is still available but limited. Please contact us for more information or to apply.

As a member, we encourage you to take advantage of the SFI and all of our member benefits. Please feel free to call or write regarding any questions or issues you may encounter related to sport fishing in BC. Our team and board of directors worked constantly to advocate on your behalf and to be knowledgeable regarding issues and policies affecting our sector.

We will be pleased to assist, or direct you appropriately, on issues that may require input from or work with Transport Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environment Canada and numerous Ministries in the Province.

The season is approaching and many activities are underway or planned. Here is an update before you head out in search of the Easter Bunny;

Yelloweye Rockfish - How you can help.

Yelloweye Rockfish is Species at Risk along our coastline. They are not a target fish but many anglers encounter Yelloweye (and other rockfish) while fishing for other species. When caught and brought rapidly to the surface Rockfish suffer from Barotrauma. This is the life threatening condition, referred to as the "bends" in deep water scuba divers, which causes nitrogen bubbles to form in the blood stream and tissue. In Rockfish it causes eyes to bulge and stomachs to be forced inside out and unless the fish are returned to a similar depth from which they were captured they will die.

What can you do to help? There are a few things that you can do to help the Yelloweye Rockfish population. There is scientific evidence that shows that if a Rockfish is returned to a similar depth to which it was caught within 5 minutes of reaching the surface, they have an excellent chance of survival. For more information please watch the following video: https://youtu.be/EiZFghwVOy

And, as the poster above indicates, take steps to avoid Yelloweye habitat when fishing for other species, ensure you know how to properly identify the species, acquire and be prepared to use a descending device to get an incidentally caught Yelloweye (or any Rockfish) you don't plan to keep back to depth as soon as possible and make sure, when asked, to report your catch as accurately as possible.

Guide and Lodge Logbook Catch Data Program

As a continuation of successful work and programs in Campbell River, the SFI and DFO continue to build on the Guide and Lodge Logbook program to improve catch data on the coast. The approach is based on an understanding that guides and lodges can provide valuable information about fish and fisheries not well covered by a diminished creel survey. This is in step with DFO’s Strategic Framework for Catch Monitoring developed a number of years ago.

Recreational Fishing Activity Profile - Mapping Project

In response to the need for information of comparable quality to what is available from other sectors, DFO has sought development of a digitally layered coastal BC map to show all areas that are of significance to the recreational fishing community. The intent is to develop a heat map based on temporal and species specific activity. While information currently exists from historical, creel and iREC survey review, the scale and level of detail is inadequate for analyses or input to processes that are now under way including the MPA, Marine Protected Areas, MaPP, the Provincial Marine use planning process, and the OPP, Ocean Protection Plan. The SFI is coordinating interviews with the SFAB and recreational community that will take place this spring and through the summer.

Certified Tidal Angling Guide (CTAG)

The CTAG Program continues to make advances in the guiding community and guides continue to take advantage of the benefits that go along with the certification. The challenge can be taken at any Service BC office once an application has been accepted by the Industry Training Authority and arrangements are in place. Certified guides will receive a $1,000.00 training credit from the Province and independent operators will save as much as 30% annually on their liability vessel insurance for the designation. Applications are available at the ITA or SFI websites or by request from info@sportfishing.bc.ca.

Ottawa Trip

We are in the process of planning a mission to Ottawa to engage with DFO officials, the new BC parliamentary secretary of Fisheries, other BC MP’s and the public service. We are optimistic that the recently announced federal budget will lead to DFO's adoption of the Recreational Vision Implementation Strategy, or the objectives detailed in the strategy, and that additional resources will be provided to scientific, monitoring and enforcement efforts on the West Coast.

Fishing BC Marketing Initiative

Fishing BC, a collaborative marketing effort with the SFI, BC Fishing Resort and Outfitters Association, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC and Destination BC, is preparing to begin year two. This new program, providing opportunity for small communities and businesses to market their sport fishing product to consumers in BC and across borders both south and east, seeks to improve the promotion and awareness of saltwater angling in BC. http://fishingbc.com/

World Recreational Fishing Conference (WRFC)

A reminder that the World Recreational Fishing Conference is coming this summer, July 16 – 20 in Victoria. Participants and speakers will come from all over the world. BC fisheries will be on display, our management practices will be discussed and insights and ideas from other countries will be presented. The conference is open to the public with opportunity for local businesses to promote their services and goods to a global audience.
More information at: www.wrfc8.com

New Member Welcome!

On behalf of the SFI, we would like to offer a warm welcome to the following new members:

As always, we at the SFI are interested in hearing from you. If you have any feedback you would like to share, please contact us at info@sportfishing.bc.ca. We are also working on strengthening our Membership Benefits. If you have something to offer to our membership, please let us know.

We are sad to note the boating tragedy that occurred last week in Tofino and offer our deepest sympathy to the families of the deceased and all in the community who have been effected by the incident. It serves as a powerful reminder to one and all who venture out to fish on our coast to be constantly alert to changing conditions and dedicated to safe boating practices at all times. Ours is a beautiful yet quickly changing environment, the BC coast can be unforgiving.

With the height of the season nearly upon us and in anticipation of a busy year, it is worth a reminder to give thought, whether a professional CTAG guide or someone who may only take friends and family out on the water, to take a few moments to go through your vessel, equipment and safety and travel plans. Pre-departure vessel checklists, sailing plan communication and orientation plans for guests are a critical part of each outing and should become a well rehearsed part of your pre-departure trip.

Certified Tidal Angling Guide (CTAG)

The CTAG program continues to grow in number and helps to distinguish professional guides from part time or recreational anglers. As an experienced guide it is to your distinct advantage to acquire your CTAG. Not only will you receive a tax credit for the training you’ve had to take on your way to becoming a guide, you are recognized by insurers and clients will be able to readily understand you’ve achieved a superior level of experience and dedication to safety.

The TAG challenge can be taken at any Service BC office once an application has been accepted by the Industry Training Authority and arrangements are in place. Certified guides will receive a $1000.00 training tax credit from the Province and independent operators will save as much as 30% annually on their liability vessel insurance for the designation. Applications are available at the ITA or SFI websites or by request from info@sportfishing.bc.ca.

Offshore Guidelines for Catch and Safety

And, a reminder of the SFAB safety and catch guidelines for offshore recreational fishing as coordinated with Transport Canada. The safety and tuna handling guidelines are available here.

Yelloweye Rockfish

In what will become a constant refrain, we include a copy of the DFO generated poster on Yelloweye Rockfish and the concerns related to their numbers in outside waters of the west coast.

The use of descending devices as a means of reducing by-catch mortalities shows tremendous potential. These devices have been used successfully in the US for many years and beginning last year several lodges and guides in BC chose to use the devices and encourage others to do so too. Results are good and are well summed up by Duncanby Lodge’s Sid Keay who said: “I’m pleased to report that we are finding that the Seaqualizer release devices work very well. It took a little time to figure out the correct speed to send the fish down but we have it figured now and have released many rockfish. We release fish at about half the speed of the free spool on a halibut rod with a 2 lb. weight, and the devices work perfectly.”

FishingBC App

The FishingBC app, Apple version is available now with the Android version coming soon. It ’s free, and is already providing thousands of anglers with real-time access to regulations and other fishing-friendly features. Anglers can find species and area specific regulations through map tools which identify their current location and species of interest. Because of how DFO has organized information to be delivered to the app, anglers now have access to virtually everything they need to know on their portable electronic devices. In addition to providing current regulatory information, the Fishing BC app has several other important features:

It holds an electronic copy of your recreational licence and a permanent record of your catch log;

It allows photos and entries to be shared by social media or e-mail directly from the app

IF you have an Apple iphone get the app today and in preperation for the coming season. A link to the app store here or on the icons above.

World Recreational Fishing Conference (WRFC)

The World Recreational Fishing Conference is coming this summer, July 16 – 20 to Victoria. Participants and speakers will come from all over the world. BC recreational fisheries will be on display, our management practices will be discussed and insights and ideas from other countries will be presented. The conference is open to the public with opportunity for local businesses to promote their services and goods to a global audience. More information at: www.wrfc8.com

Guide and Lodge Logbook Catch Data Program

As a continuation of successful work and programs in Campbell River and on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, the SFI and DFO continue to build on the Guide and Lodge Logbook program to improve catch data on the coast. The approach is based on an understanding that guides and lodges can provide valuable information about fish and fisheries not well covered by a diminished creel survey. We are looking for all CTAG guides to lead the way in providing world class catch and biological data to ensure our fishery is managed using the best possible information. If we share the responsibility to enable management through evidence based decisions, we all benefit. This program and approach is in step with DFO’s Strategic Framework for Catch Monitoring developed a number of years ago.

Fishing BC Marketing Initiative

Fishing BC, a collaborative marketing effort with the SFI, BC Fishing Resort and Outfitters Association, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC and Destination BC, has launched year two. This new program, providing opportunity for small communities and businesses to market their sport fishing product to consumers in BC and across borders both south and east, seeks to improve the promotion and awareness of saltwater angling in BC. www.fishingbc.com

As always, we at the SFI are interested in hearing from you. If you have any feedback you would like to share, please contact us at info@sportfishing.bc.ca. We are also working on strengthening our Membership Benefits. If you have something you'd like to share or make available to the SFI membership, please let us know.